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West Londoner singer/rhymester gave PinBoard the first exclusive listen of his new concept mixtape, The Shakka Crown Affair. Loosly based on the story of The Thomas Crown Affair, the collection of songs and skits centres around the concept of Shakka ‘stealing’ some of the best instrumentals from the music world. Borrowing J Dilla beats, Common, Calvin Harris, Coldplay and Jay- Z among others.

And  honestly, I love this…

Not a major fan of skits, (unless executed by Chris Rock – can anything beat “Yeezy taught me”?) but Shakka has swayed me. The comedic interludes comfortably piece the concept together intertwining the soulfulness of songs with Shakka’s sheer honesty. Once past the these interludes, the eleven songs bump pretty hard, they take us into Shakka’s world. Despite most of the beats originating from familiar songs enough originality shines through to keep you interested.

Shakka openly explores his voice, something which has intrigued me ever since the first time I saw him live early last year. He sings, he wails, (Marley style) but also switches it up with rap. His vulnerable verses on songs like ‘Chicken Legs’, which he deliveres with a British/West Indian twang works brilliantly against the Sleepy Brown instrumental, it also gives us a taste of his flow. But then tracks like ‘Drivin”, stripped down to just a piano gives a welcoming variation from everything else. Shakka’s ability to switch his vocal stylings with such ease is something which not only demonstrates the strength of his talents, but also keeps for an interested ear. Combine this with the personality in which he wraps it all up in and you have a winning concoction.

It is a pleasing deviation from what my ears usually fall upon on these shores. I personally can’t wait to hear more. Download it, bump it in your speakers, in your ears, in your car, wherever. It works.

Check Shakka out here. PinBoard is most definitely watching.

Tail end of last year i stumbled upon a video of these guys and have been enchanted ever since. Acer Maple are guitarist’s Dave Austin and Danny Fisher. Having spent much of their careers playing as session musicians for some of the best vocalists in the UK (Eska, Vula, Tawiah, Nate James) they have come together to give their own material an outlet creating a seamless blend of soul and folk music in the process.

Early is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. The production is magnificent shining a bright light on the majestic brilliance of the musicians performing on each track, whilst Sharlene Hector’s vocals as always is flawless and the songwriting is of a standard so hard to find in today’s contemporary music. I mean if any woman wrote me a song like ‘Beautiful’ you’d get THAT “ring on it” TRUST!!! Have a listen below…

I really find it hard to fault. Every aspect of this piece of work is brilliant! The guys have a couple of gigs coming up next week and the EP is available now on iTunes now. Please don’t sleep on the is goodness give it the time it deserves.

This little lady is fast becoming my favourite live performer on London’s Soul circuit. The singer songwriter from West London is currently causing quite a stir! The business and Law graduate has been focusing on Music for quite sometime now having had the opportunities to perform with the likes of Raphael Saadiq, Kano, Estelle, Faith Evans, touring with Al Green and Gabrielle and working with well respected producers Bugz In The Attic and 4Hero has a wealth of experience and is now beginning to show everyone what she is all about.

Her EP Introduction To Miss Charles features production from UK Favourites Truth Movement and Colin Emmanuel aka “Black Einstein” and is a slice of quality RnB Soul with a distinct UK flavouring over it. Highlights include “Your My Boy”, “My Journey” and the standout single “You Are The One” checkout the excellent video.

Dopeness indeed but its Live where my girl is really killing it. Backed by a full band she has been rocking crowds with her sublime vocals and authentic Soul sound. The band are ridiculous with some mean grooves, runs and stabs and just simply tight as HELL! Whilst Nadine’s voice floats over the music commanding you’re attention. Here’s a recent clip of her performing at Aesthetic Sounds supporting Glen Lewis.

Love it! She is doing what a lot of UK artists are failing to bringing that quality on all levels. Good recordings, good video and good live set you can’t go wrong. She’ll be supporting Marsha Ambrosius @ Dingwalls Camden on Dec 27 get tickets here and get hold of her EP at Bandcamp below. I suggest you get to know about Nadine Charles.

Want to hear more from Nadine checkout our interview with her on The latest Music is Remedy Podcast here

Written by Ash ‘Music Is Remedy’ Roye

J Treole are 4 guys from the Cambridge areas brought together by their love of music and wanting to bring a different sound to what all the local bands in the area were playing. They produced a mesh of HipHop rhymes and Jazz structures built around their superb musical technique and musical influences. They have already released 2 EP’s that have won them rave reviews but it is their new recording “Run Walk Crawl” that is really getting people talking. It’s their finest work to date, and they have grown and evolved to a new level of brilliance.

The first track “Symphony of the Shrapnel” eases you into the EP with nice chords & beats (with a little reggae break in there too) whilst the synths and distorted guitar giving it a darker edge, before building up towards the end with some nice BVs. It’s the 2nd track “Skydive” that’s the stand out and takes you somewhere else, tune is straight epic.

The chords just make the song feel massive. The beat and bass drives the song (with some beautiful fills from both inbetween) keeping your head bopping. The horns and BV’s are used really well to help build the track and give them an extra quality. And finally the acoustic guitar just gives it a commercial edge making it easy on the ear.

The final track “Mister Wolf” finishes things off nicely. Similar to the first track but this one has a swagger about it. Cool verses with a dark chorus ending the EP real nice and leaving you wanting more.

All in all I’m really loving this. It has the feel of early Jamiroquai and 4hero records and what they would sound like if you had Roots Manuva rhyming on top. Music like this is rare simply because the level of musicianship required to make it is HIGH and takes work. This really is a superb piece of work and for a pound you can’t go wrong really. Looking forward to seeing whats next for these guys but don’t sleep on them, bloody brilliant.

Listen to ‘Skydive’ up top and their EP in full below (on sale for just £1!)…

Always happy to give shine to new artists, even more so if they’re from our home town. Was just sent the press release for this and thought to pop it up…

Having already worked with the likes of Leona Lewis, Estelle & Lauryn Hill, Rian Peters has been making quite the name for himself within the UK underground scene. The video up top is of his debut single ‘Getaway’  and features the Godfather of Grime himself, Wiley.

There’s something about this tune I really like – I can hear something in the melody that is definitely working and I like the beat too. My biggest ‘issue’ with it would be that I can hear indications of it leaning towards that ‘UK urban pop’ sound I really don’t like. There’s not so much of it here that it ruins the song, but I just wonder if that’s the direction Rian is going in (and if it is, it’s completely fine – it just wouldn’t be my cup of tea). The key factor that saves this song from sounding like that is of course (aside from the melody) Wiley. His opening and closing verses work great. Smart move.

Rian Peter’s debut album is scheduled for an Autumn release.

Click image to download ‘Volume 1′ EP

The homie over at SoulUK said I needed to hear Def Chronic’s new EP, so I took his advice and downloaded it (it’s free) – he wasn’t lying. I did have to hear this and so do YOU!

Smooth soulful vocals, nice grooves…Pure summer vibes – this is that good stuff. Hailing from Sweden, an area of the world which is producing some incredible soul music as of late, singer Seinabo Sey & producer Frank Nobel have produced a dope 4 track EP (5 including a bonus remix track) which I have had on constant repeat over the weekend.

While listening, I did some research on the group and found myself over at one of my favourite blogs – moovmnt – and saw a post they did on Def Chronic a while ago. In it they mention that singer Seinabo is actually our very own Fatima’s half sister. The pair apparently met ‘at a very late stage in their lives’ – how crazy/dope is that? Two great singers making great music so closely related? Anyways, I digress. Very little else could be found on Def Chronic – not sure why, but they don’t seem to be ‘online’ much. They need to fix up on this really as more people need to hear their music.

‘Volume 1′ has everything a soul lover needs: It’s funky and edgy, intelligent and well crafted. It’s a ‘feel good’ EP, put this on on a summers day or at a chilled BBQ, in your headphones or while you’re clearning your house – you and your peoples will be feeling real nice. Definitely need to hear more from these guys soon.

Download their EP by clicking the image up top and preview their sound via the stream below…

Listen: Def Chronic – ‘Oh!’

I’ve been listening to Numaad‘s debut EP, Now, every day for the past 2 weeks (no lie). I wanted it to fully soak in before I wrote about it. It’s that time now.

Numaads consists of Dutch producer Sense and singer Esperanzah, who together have created something quite wonderful here. Her sensual vocals, over his experimental and inspired beats is pleasing to both the ears and the mind. Soaked in influences from near and far, you can hear on Now something very honest and heartfelt.

Bluesy neo-soul, moody beats and eclectic instrumentation brings the EP’s title track alive. ‘Now‘, my favourite song off the extended player, is a stunning example of contemporary soul. It’s the perfect introduction into Numaads’ world and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Watch the video for this track above.

Track #2 is entitled ‘Wanting‘ and sees Esperanzah on her spoken word flex, backed once again by a strong production of jazz chords and a groove beat. Switching between rap and singing with little to no effort, this sees a slight departure from the first song – but once again, it just works.

‘Thankful‘ follows and is my second favourite song from the EP. The production here sounds so…Dramatic. It’s beauitful. A deep drone beat, random bells and drums spontaneously boom and clapping – all the while Esperanzah’s vocals float atop, effortlessly, perfectly. I have to give it up to Sense, his production here is remarkable.

‘World‘ the last of the original songs (the final 2 songs are remixes of the title track) on the EP concludes the session well – once again a blend of spoken word and singing, this song will have your head bopping with ease.

As I mentioned, the last two tracks are remixes of ‘Now’ – one by Robot Koch and the other by J Rawls – both are actually really good. You can listen & download the former, for free, below via Numaads bandcamp.

Like I said in the beginning of this post, I’ve been listening to Now non-stop for the past 2 weeks, with good reason. It’s a beaufuflly put together project which will satisfy most soul lovers. This, in my opinion, is modern neo-soul and as much as ‘we’ may hate that tag – it’s true. Smokey vocals and sexy beats – I love this!

Buy this EP via hhv now.

Written by Ash Roye

Wilson is a London based singer songwriter who’s been quietly doing the rounds on the London circuit for the last couple of years. Now with his commercial music degree under his belt and dues paid, he’s getting ready to make some noise!

He is a male soul vocalist unlike any other on the scene. A vocal filled with undeniable quality and sound of soul fused gospel combined with inspired musicianship that helps him stand apart from many of his peers. At the moment he is putting the finishing touches to his EP that should be dropping this summer here’s a couple of snippets of what to expect!

Wilson – ‘Stay With Me’ by musicisremedy
Wilson – ‘Miles Away’ by musicisremedy

Dude is straight ridiculous! If you want to hear these songs in full catch him live performing alongside the Remedies at Remedy Live June 17th at the Rhythm Factory Whitechapel – as part of an awesome line up of quality live music featuring some of the best up and coming artists around.

Written by S_H_E

Fae Simon will be a name to remember, as she embarks on bringing the underground to the surface.  Performing all over London, this soul singer who has been vocally trained in Opera and Jazz released her debut album last year.

Mellowdrama is filled with beautiful lyrics and smooth beats, perfect Sunday morning music with tracks like ‘New Londinium’ (below) and ‘Fly Love.’ She is currently touring Europe with Yarah Bravo on her ‘Good Girls Rarely Make History’ Tour and will be performing at the Lockside Lounge for the Ladies First Show in Camden on 27th May, along with other British female artists. This night is completely overlooked and if you live in London, you should find yourself there.

Her album is available on iTunes – home grown support!

Listen to ‘New Londinium’…

I’d never heard of Mansions on the Moon before, the homie Andrew (aka the music dealer lol) shot it over to me the other night and said I should check them out. I hit play on their new video “She Makes Me Feel” and loved what I heard. PinBoard being PinBoard (an inclusive place for all things dope) I thought I had to share with you guys – I think you’ll like it too! They’re rocking that 80′s, electro pop vibe.

I don’t know much about the band, but I do know they have a mixtape coming out hosted by DJ Benzi & Diplo, no word on when it’s dropping but I got my ears locked on these guys now so soon as it is – I will let you know.

After the jump you can check out their EPK video, which features appearances from Malice (Clipse), Shae & Chad Hugo (N*E*R*D) and a couple others you may recognise.

Should have really named this “One To Watch”, but I guess that’s implied

Let me know what you think of the band and the track/video…

Peace, Love & Mansions On the Moon

Speeakz

Continue reading this post…

I have selfishly been keeping Jimetta Rose to myself for a good few months. I apologise. After you press play on this, you’re going to be angry with me. Why? Because she’s so freaking fly, that’s why. Jimetta’s debut album The Barber’s Daughter dropped in January, I discovered it around a month after and have been repeatedly listening to it ever since.

A good, ol’ fashioned dose of Soul is something we all love to hear, but when it’s delivered in such a fresh, contemporary and powerful way, that’s a different story – enter Los Angeles native Jimetta Rose. A name you may have heard on projects by Georgia Ann Muldrow and most recently Shafiq Husayn’s En’-A-Free-Ka.

Upon hearing the albums first song “Glory Us”, which sees Jimetta singing passionately to her love, in a way that reminds me of Jill Scott, captures perfectly, what you can expect from the rest of the LP. But before you even think this is just another ‘copy cat’ artist, let me stop you – this lady has her very own style, her very own stance. Any comparisons made to Scott or any other established and respected artist, need only be taken as the complement it was intended to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

Clearly inspired by the greats, The Barber’s Daughter, continues strong – influences from Africa, Jazz, the Blues, and Funk can be heard scattered around, all wrapped up in undiluted soul. Songs like “On My Own”, “I Got God” and “Revolution Out There”  (which she also rhymes on FYI) provide a groove I  have missed in Soul music.

Jimetta’s voice is so clear, so concise, so unquestionably soulful it captivates, quite literally. I often find myself having to re-listen to a certain line, or a certain ad-lib just to have it sink in. And don’t be mistaken, she’s not ‘just a singer’ either, she has something to say too. The album focuses heavily on love, all aspects of love. Rose opens her heart about being in love, giving love, being loved and wanting to be loved. She also covers some political ground on the empowering and provoking “America (Revisited)”. Meaningful lyrics gives this LP an even greater and fulfilling purpose.

The Barber’s Daughter is an album you will continue to listen to weeks, months, years after your first play. I firmly believe that.  It is due to artists like Jimetta and albums like this, that this year, I have such a rejuvenated view of Soul music. I am so excited to introduce you guys to this wonderful artist and only hope you enjoy her as much as I have/am.

Preview the entire album by pressing play on the bandcamp player above and then support it by purchasing it (for only $12!).

Peace, Love & Jimetta Rose

Speeakz

I will go as a far saying that Gonjasufi is one of the most ‘unique’ (for lack of a better word) artists’ we’ve ever featured on PinBoard. We only post dope things on this site, so trust in us, but I feel I need to say “keep an open mind”, before introducing you to the world Gonjasufi has created with his incredible debut A Sufi and A Killer.

Produced by Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer and Mainframe, this psychedelic and colourful album is by far one of the most eclectic pieces of work I’ve ever heard. The sounds and genre changes dramatically from song to song and while many may find that erratic and in-cohesive, I find it quite interesting. On first hearing A Sufi and A Killer, after reading about it in the RBMA’s Daily Note, I was confused – not simply because it is pretty ‘out there’, but because I was really enjoying it! And no, I wasn’t high.

I enjoyed the dramatically varying influences – from Rock, to Folk, to the sounds of the Middle East, to Hip Hop, back to electro-dub-breakbeat-something. I challenge anyone to put a label on what Gonjasufi has managed to assemble here. Gonjasufi’s voice is haunting, but seemingly acts as an accompanying instrument as apposed to the LP’s focal point. Admittedly there are some hit and misses throughout the album, but when it’s right – it’s right and for the most part it is – the songs grow and compliment each other well.

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Listen: Gonjasufi – “Ancestors” (click arrow to download)

The fact that A Sufi and A Killer is difficult to label in an age where everything seems to fit into a musical box (R&B / Hip Hop / Soul / Pop / Rock etc) is energising. To experience something that plays so dangerously close to the line between genius and insanity is exhilarating. I reckon this is the closet to the hallucigenics-peace-loving-1970′s as we’re going to get. And like all those great albums, the more you listen to this, the more you discover and fall in love with it. For me A Sufi and A Killer is an experiment gone great and reflects true artistry, exploration and musicology.

A Sufi and A Killer is out via Warp Records on 8th/9th March 2010. Support great music.

Peace, Love & Gonjasufi

Speeakz

BUG, a 24 year old Londoner (brap!), is an up-and-coming producer and songwriter. If you were to blend soulful Hip Hop beats, imbed that with some Funk and Jazz, and fuse it all together with a new-age electronic sound - you’ll just about arrive at where BUG is at. And I gotta say, it’s a pretty cool place to be. Check out BUG’s debut single “Cosmic Lab” / “20 Winks” which you download for free via the download link in the player below.

I’m really feelin’ this a lot – I like how both tracks are melodic and interesting. They don’t sound confusing or pretentious - and I can hear a lot of influences (that I can relate to). Definitely going to be keeping an ear out for this guy – you should too.

Peace, Love & BUG

Speeakz

Much love to juslikemusic haha!

I’ve been rinsing this EP for about 3 weeks now, but have only now gotten round to featuring it. Released last month, The Basics is the latest project from producer Dunc (who’s previous work includes Diamond District’s In The Ruff) and emcee Toine (who you may have heard on “95 North” off Oddisee’s Oddisee 101 album).  Together, these two go by the name of DTMD. This 6 track deep EP stays true to it’s title – in that it’s all about real Hip Hop, soulful-jazz infused beats and intelligent rhymes. This is really great music. I reckon you’ll think so too.

Listen and download it (for free) via the bandcamp player below…

New Contributor: Hi I’m L.A.B and I like to bug out to beats. Expect a lot more of me on PinBoard from here on!

An immediate liking was taken to JimiJames, which is rare when it comes to female singers. Considering she has been around since 2006 it’s slightly annoying she has not blown up bigger. When I heard her music it was that first agreeable nod to then just straight buggin’ out. Hailing from L.A and releasing her first album titled The Truth she is now set to drop So Janky and after hearing her Mixtape it’s sure to be fire!

JimiJames – “Choose Her”

JimiJames – “Bitchin’”

Her vocals nicely compliment the “grttipop” sound, as she describes it. Her music sways from head banging electro-funk like “Bitchin” to some straight R&B like “Undressed”. Undoubtedly her style shows through her music and nearly every song makes you move.  As I said, a rarity! Definitely one to keep your pupil on. Let’s hope her talent reaches out far and she has longevity.

Goto JimiJames’ myspace for loads of free music including a hot mixtape or two.

- L.A.B